Hazelight Studios, known for their innovative titles like It Takes Two and A Way Out, has officially unveiled their latest project, Split Fiction, during The Game Awards 2024. This highly anticipated game promises to deliver an engaging cooperative experience, featuring not one, but two main characters that are designed to be played collaboratively by two individuals rather than alternating control as in typical gameplay.
As this marks Hazelight Studios’ third endeavor into the realm of co-op gaming, expectations are high for a refined experience that addresses criticisms raised in previous titles. Particularly in It Takes Two, players were often frustrated by the incessant arguments between the two protagonists. The storyline hinged on a couple striving to mend their fractured relationship, yet their combative exchanges could sometimes detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
Split Fiction Features Dual Protagonists
Innovative Cooperative Experience Awaits
Just like its predecessors, Split Fiction incorporates dual protagonists, enhancing gameplay through unique cooperative puzzles and challenges. However, one notable difference is that Split Fiction aims to avoid the relationship strains that characterized It Takes Two, allowing for a more positive player experience.
Released in March 2021, It Takes Two triumphed as the Game of the Year, captivating players with its story of a couple unable to communicate effectively. The narrative focused on their journey as they were transformed into dolls, encapsulating their struggle for understanding and resolution, which at times felt excessively burdensome due to their constant bickering.
Potential Improvements for Split Fiction
Embracing Friendship: A Welcome Change
Split Fiction presents an exciting opportunity for the characters Zoe and Mio to develop a friendly bond early on. From the initial reveal trailer, it is evident that these two will encounter each other under challenging circumstances as their worlds collide. Although some tension may arise, it appears that prolonged conflict will not be a core element of the narrative.
To address the shortcomings of It Takes Two, a focus on building camaraderie between Zoe and Mio could transform their relationship into a highlight of the gameplay. While they may hold contrasting viewpoints, fostering collaboration without the previous tension of constant disagreements could significantly enhance player enjoyment, ensuring Split Fiction offers a refreshing new experience in the evolving landscape of cooperative gaming.